Security beefed up in U`khand over district demand

Security has been beefed up in
various areas of Uttarakhand after agitation for creation of
new districts mounted with the ruling BJP remaining indecisive
over the issue and Congress supporting the demand.

Dehra Dun: Security has been beefed up in
various areas of Uttarakhand after agitation for creation of
new districts mounted with the ruling BJP remaining indecisive
over the issue and Congress supporting the demand.

After the announcement by Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal
Nishank for creation of four new districts -- Yamunotri,
Didihaat, Kotdwar, and Ranikhet on the Independence Day, the
demand for the formation of new districts like Purola,
Kashipur, Roorkee, and a host of other areas grew leading to
widespread agitation and strife in these pockets.

In some areas the agitation is also turning violent with
agitated people pelting stones on police and vandalising
offices. In Mori area of Uttarkashi district, enraged people
vandalised the office of SJVN, a hydropower company,
yesterday, police said.

Agitated people under the banner of "sava daliya sangarsh
samiti` demonstrated at various places demanding the creation
of Kashipur as separate district. A spokesman of the sangarsh
samiti has alleged that the state government has ignored the
50 year old demand of creation of Kashipur district.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed at sensitive areas
like Purola, Mori, Kashipur, and Roorkee in view of the
mounting agitation. "Additional police force and para military
forces have been deployed in these areas," a top police
official said.

When contacted, BJP state president Bishan Singh Chufal
refused to comment on the issue saying it will be premature to
say anything at this juncture. "We will wait till four new
districts are established," said Chufal.

On the other hand, senior Congress leader and union
minister for parliamentary affairs Harish Rawat has supported
the demand for the creation of new districts saying in case
the Congress comes to power in the next Assembly elections
these districts would be created.

"We want to ask all those people who are demanding new
districts not to be disheartened as Congress will surely
fulfil their demand," said Rawat.